Cooking isn’t just about feeding ourselves; it’s a way of nurturing others and creating meaningful connections. On World Kindness Day, celebrated on November 13th, Miriam Samuel (affectionately known as Grandma Mirie), a 90-year-old author and retired teacher, used cooking to teach children the importance of kindness. Through this practical life skill, she showed young people how kindness can enrich their lives and the lives of those around them.
On Wednesday, Grandma Mirie held a cooking class at the Charlesworth T. Samuel School, where she guided students in making sugar cakes, a cherished childhood treat. She believes this hands-on activity teaches not only creativity, as children experiment with flavors, but also “recipes for life” that center on virtues such as patience, cooperation, and empathy, as students learn to follow instructions and share tasks.
“Making sugar cakes is a nostalgic activity, but this class was about more than the treat itself—it was an opportunity for the students to experience teamwork and the joy of creating something that brings happiness to others,” Grandma Mirie said. “Through cooking, I want these students to learn about generosity, the value of effort, and caring for others. It’s all about making the world better through small, thoughtful actions.”
As the founder of Screw Pine, a small agro-products business, Grandma Mirie set up multiple cooking stations to involve students in every step of the process—from breaking and grating coconut to mixing and spooning out the final product. She believes cooking fosters empathy; when children prepare a meal for others, they understand the joy of giving and see firsthand, how a simple dish can make someone feel cared for. She hopes this activity encourages togetherness in a time when youth violence is at an all-time high. Throughout the class, Grandma Mirie reminded students of the power of their words and actions, encouraging them to bring kindness into everyday life through simple gestures.
“Cooking teaches gratitude. I want these students to appreciate the ingredients, the process, and the people they share their creations with. This hands-on lesson will, I hope, be a lasting reminder that kindness can be practiced through simple, everyday acts that make life sweeter and more connected,” she added.
Grandma Mirie and her late husband, Hon. Charlesworth T. Samuel, who was the school’s first principal, opened the school in 1965. Their fond memories of life in the village of John Hughes and their connection to the community are captured in Grandma Mirie’s book, Mirie’s Magic Recipe: Loving, Leading, Legacy. As part of her Legacy Book Tour, she is donating copies of her book to nine schools across Antigua where she once taught.
“A book is a gift you can open again and again,” Grandma Mirie shared. “Through this donation, I hope to pass on my knowledge and life lessons to help enrich these students’ lives.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
WONDERFUL INITIATIVE! Age is just a number indeed.
Comments are closed.